The outpouring of genuine adulation and gratitude from the people stands testament to His Majesty's unique place in modern Thai history. His Majesty's reign coincides with momentous transition and epochal change in every aspect of Thailand's political, economic and social life. Thanks to his unquestioned moral authority and sound judgement, the Kingdom has been spared the potentially debilitating effects of some of the more painful upheavals, which would otherwise have held back its progress and caused prolonged suffering to its people.

Most of the more than 1,000 development projects initiated by His Majesty have been designed to help the people help themselves, raise themselves out of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency, thereby fostering social progress in their respective communities.

As a constitutional monarch, HM the King also has an important traditional role to play as an adviser to the government. Over the years, His Majesty has offered sage advice to government leaders and the general public alike, persuading them to work together to ensure that the country's democracy functioned smoothly and served the people the way it should. His Majesty has always led by example, emphasising virtues of honesty, integrity, perseverance and sacrifice.

Such recurring themes in his messages continue to inspire people and more often than not have brought opposing parties to their senses. But those who paid close attention to the 78-year-old monarch's most recent words could not help but discern a new emphasis on the need for Thais to learn to solve the ongoing political crisis - and future crises - with honesty, integrity and courage. And to do so within the framework of the Constitution, the highest law of the land, in order to reach a peaceful consensus.

No one can deny that the long-drawn-out political crisis that began early this year and caused unprecedented division within society has been a cause for worry, not just for ordinary Thais, but also for His Majesty himself. The lull in the political wrangling these past few weeks was the result of all feuding parties agreeing to a truce, in order to show respect for the monarchy and allow the celebrations for this auspicious occasion to proceed unhindered. Unfortunately, the turmoil is poised to reignite and plunge us back into chaos.

From government and opposition leaders to anti-government groups to the most ordinary of citizens - all Thais showed so much reverence and affection for their King during the just-ended official celebration. It should not be too much for each one of us to ask how we can repay the debt of gratitude we owe to this hard-working monarch who cares so deeply for this country that he has continued his lifelong devotion to his subjects' happiness despite his age.

HM the King has on more than one occasion provided sage advice on ways to defuse the current political crisis that are in accordance with the Constitution. It is encouraging to see key institutions like the Constitution, Supreme and Supreme Administrative courts take the lead and exert the powers invested in them by the charter to bring an end to this political impasse to pave the way for the thorough political reforms being planned. There could be no better gift to our beloved monarch or a more worthy tribute to his achievements than to show him we have indeed learned from his example and are fully capable of taking care of ourselves.